Diamond compacts and process for making same

Abstract

A diamond compact comprised of 60-95 volume percent of diamond crystals which have been plastically deformed so that they form a rigid framework structure in which contacts between the diamond crystals occur over surfaces arising from plastic deformation of the diamond crystals during formation of the compact under pressure and temperature conditions within the graphite stability field. The diamond framework structure is bonded together by interstitial refractory carbide phases or metallic phases comprised of metals not forming carbides in the presence of carbon. The phases have a melting point greater than 1600° C. The compact comprises less than about 2 percent volume of graphite and possesses a compressive strength greater than 10 kbars.

I claim: 
     
       1. A diamond compact comprised of 60 to 95 volume percent of diamond crystals which have been plastically deformed so that they form a rigid framework structure in which contacts between diamond crystals occur over surfaces, said surfaces arising from plastic deformation of the diamond crystals during formation of the compact under pressure and temperature conditions within the graphite stability field, said diamond framework structure being bonded substantially wholly by metallic phases comprised of metals not forming carbides in the presence of carbon,, said phases having a melting point greater than 1600° C., said compact comprising less than about 2% volume of graphite and possessing a compressive strength greater than 10 kbars.